Some thoughts on yesterday’s news

First and foremost, a happy Independence Day to all those who live in the United States.

For those who forgot, David Poile was busy on July 3, trading Cody Franson and Matthew Lombardi in a move that he believed increased the Predators financial flexibility. He also signed Niclas Bergfors to a one-year $575,000 contract later in the day.

In looking at the first move — it was clearly a salary dump. Nashville needs to clear up space to re-sign Shea Weber, Ryan Suter and Pekka Rinne. Those three will likely command contracts that, combined will equate to near 20 percent of Nashville’s payroll. Giving up Franson is a tough pill to swallow. There aren’t a lot of mobile offensive, 23-year-old defensemen in the NHL who are 6-foot-5, 213 pounds and can handle weight. It will be interesting to see if Franson flourishes with a larger role in Toronto’s system.

Signing Bergfors could be another signature under-the-radar Poile move. He’s a former first-round draft pick who is 24 years old and has lots of talent. But three teams (the New Jersey Devils, Atlanta Thrashers and Florida Panthers) have given up on him. Will he be the next Segei Kostitsyn or the next Jamie Lundmark?